ATTENTION - Closure of the Enz section between Bietigheim-Bissingen, Mühlstraße and Besigheim due to construction work
Due to the SEL construction site (South German natural gas pipeline), the
Enz section between Bietigheim-Bissingen, Mühlstraße and Besigheim
from February 17, 2025 until further noticeclosed to boat traffic.
The last opportunity to disembark is in Bietigheim-Bissingen at the "Bad am Viadukt" exit point. It is also not possible to embark at the fire department chute in Mühlstraße in Bietigheim-Bissingen during this time.
This restriction applies to canoes, kayaks, sit-on-tops, SUPs and other boats of any kind.
Changed flow behavior of the Enz below the Oberriexingen canoe entrance
A few meters below the entrance to Oberriexingen, structural improvements were carried out in the Enz. These change the flow behavior of the Enz in this section of the river. These are visible as well as overflowing and invisible installations.
Illustration for driving around the gravel islands
In order to avoid dangers when navigating the waterway section, the installations must be avoided as follows:
Bypass the island on the right. From the fast-flowing section downstream of the island, you must keep to the left to avoid colliding with the groyne on the right.
There is an absolute ban on entering the gravel island and the groynes on the left and right banks. As this stretch of water is located within a fauna-flora habitat area (FFH area), the protection of the local flora and fauna is of particular importance.
Nature-friendly canoeing on the River Enz
The Enz is one of the larger watercourses in the district of Ludwigsburg. It is still very pristine and natural in large parts. With its sensitive areas, it is a designated NATURA 2000 area (FFH and bird sanctuary Enztal near Mühlhausen, Strohgäu and lower Enztal). It is home to many animal and plant species. Disturbance-sensitive bird species such as kingfishers, sandpipers and dippers live on the water, on the banks and on the gravel banks. Many insect larvae, snails, leeches and juvenile fish seek shelter in the carpets of plants, such as the flooding buttercup or the grass pondweed. There is also a lot of activity below the surface of the water. Rare fish species such as streamer, loach, nase and barbel spawn in the gravel of the shallow water zones. Many small animals that are sensitive to treading live between the stones.
The river has been very popular with recreationists for many years.
On the one hand, the Enz should be preserved as a habitat for animals and plants, but at the same time boating should continue to be made possible for nature lovers and those seeking recreation. On April 25, 2006, the Ludwigsburg District Office issued a legal ordinance with regulations for nature-friendly boating. The ordinance applies from the district border at Roßwag to the bathing area at the viaduct in Bietigheim-Bissingen.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the recreational pressure on and along the River Enz has changed significantly. Riding on inflatable boards on the water (stand-up paddling) has become a trend sport and has ensured that the Enz is highly frequented.
Standing on the board triggers increased flight reactions in the birds. This creates a potential for disturbance that significantly impairs important habitats such as breeding, resting and wintering areas for water-bound bird species. For this reason, the Ludwigsburg District Office issued a legal ordinance on 22.08.2024, which came into force on 30.08.2024.
A major new feature of the ordinance is that between March 1 and September 30, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) may only be used on the River Enz in the designated zones in Bietigheim-Bissingen and Vaihingen/Enz. Canoes and other boats may be used on the Enz as before.
Furthermore, the section in Roßwag requiring special protection may not be used at all during the same period (i.e. not even with canoes or other boats). Previously, this regulation only applied from May 1st. Due to the early breeding season and new species occurrences in this area, the period had to be extended.
The new regulations for navigating the Enz at a glance:
In the period from March 1 to September 30
1. it is not permitted to navigate the Enz from the district border at Roßwag to the footbridge at the Alter Badplatz in Vaihingen/Enz with small vehicles without their own propulsion (e.g. canoes, boats, SUPs, water bikes, etc.).
2. the use of the entire River Enz in the district of Ludwigsburg with small vehicles without their own propulsion, which are generally operated upright (e.g. SUPs, waterbikes etc.), is not permitted.
The following areas are exempt from this:
1. in the district of Vaihingen/Enz, riding stand-up paddleboards is permitted in the inner-city area between the pedestrian footbridge at Alter Badplatz and the weir of the T 30 power plant, Enzgasse (SUP zone 1).
2. in the district of Bietigheim-Bissingen, stand-up paddling boards are permitted between the entrance to the bathing area at the viaduct and the Wobachsteg (SUP zone 2).
The SUP zones are shown on the overview map of the leaflet "Canoeing on the River Enz" (see box on the right-hand side "Files to download").
Level control for navigating the Enz river
from the Vaihingen/Enz outdoor pool to the Sägmühle Bissingen
In this section of the Enz river, navigation is only possible
- from May 1st to September 30th at a water level between 45 cm and 64 cm is only possible with a guided tour. Members of the German Canoe Association (DKV) are exempt from this.
- Prohibited all year round if the water level is below 45 cm.
The daily average of the previous day at the Vaihingen/Enz gauge is decisive.
This can be obtained by calling 07042 / 1 71 11 and via the BW flood forecasting center (HVZ).
Compliance with legal regulations
Employees of the Environment Department are sporadically on site at weekends and on public holidays during the canoeing season to inform and educate boaters, canoeists and SUP users and recreationists about the Enz and to ensure compliance with the legal regulations.
Please note when boating on the Enz!
- Only use the signposted entry and exit points
- Do not use any side arms of the Enz
- Avoid the bank areas
- Do not enter gravel islands, banks and shallow water zones
- Take your garbage with you
- Do not make wild fires or camp sites, but use the established and designated rest areas, e.g. in Oberriexingen
The district of Ludwigsburg asks recreationists along and on the River Enz to behave in accordance with the regulations in order to continue to protect and preserve biodiversity.
